• What is the programme format?
The program contains ten modules:
1. Career development counselling and assessment
2. Holland’s RIASEC theory of personality types and work environments
3. Components of the Strong Profile
4. Profile interpretability
5. Descriptive statistics and sampling
6. The General Occupational Themes and the Basic Interest Scales
7. The Occupational Scales
8. Technical integrity of the scales – reliability and validity
9. The Personal Style Scales
10. Interpretation challenges, ethics, and cross-cultural implications
The programme includes brief interactive assignments, a quiz at the end of each module, and a culminating interpretation activity.
• How long does it take to complete the programme?
The programme is designed to take approximately 30-35 hours. It is self-paced. Some participants are able to complete it over a weekend; others take the full 35 hours.
• Is there a deadline for completion?
We ask you to finish the programme within 60 days of your programme start so that you are building on previous learning and not having to re-learn every time you pick it up. The on line learning platform that we use will automatically drop anyone who does not complete the ten quizzes within 60 days (No extensions).
• How much computer knowledge is necessary?
You need to be able to turn your computer on and off, access Microsoft Explorer, and download Acrobat Reader and Flash – all free. The rest is learn as you go. You will be clicking on links to respond to questions and view presentations, submitting assignments in ordinary word processing, and interacting with the instructor and other participants via email and virtual classroom settings. We chose Blackboard as the platform because it is easy and straightforward. Fewer bells and whistles, more speed.
• How do I get feedback on my work?
You will receive immediate feedback on your quizzes, and feedback by email as you submit your answers to the questions in the modules. Instructors are also available by phone.
• Can I contact others in the programme?
Participants who wish to do so can have their own personal web pages in Blackboard and be listed on a programme roster. We also schedule virtual classrooms, webinars, and discussion groups where participants get together with the instructor.
• How much is the programme
The cost is R5 800 (includes VAT) – this price may be subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate. Please note that this cost does not include the programme materials which must be purchased independently. Programme materials currently are the Strong Manual (#8401), the Strong User’s Guide (#8403), and Where Do I Go Next? client booklet (#8432).
• How do I register?
Contact Shadi (email shadi@jvrafrica.co.za or call 011 781 3705) to complete a registration form.
• What is the refund policy?
Your full programme registration fee will be refunded if you have not started the programme. Once you are registered in Blackboard, your registration fee will be refunded less a $125 administrative fee. We cannot give refunds once your Strong assessment has been completed.
• What happens if I fail?
It doesn’t happen, we’re happy to say! If you don’t complete the programme, all that happens is that we don’t send your certification status to the publisher. If you struggle with the quizzes at the end of the modules, we ask you to try again . . . and again, until you pass them.
• How do others like the programme? Who does best with this format?
Most like it, although we all miss the in-person interaction of public and on-site groups. We’ve noticed that because of the one-to-one interaction between instructors and participants in the distance learning format, content mastery is higher. Those who do the best set specific goals and timelines for themselves and follow them.
